Sports

Harmony returns several veterans from its district runnerup team a year ago such as Dali Velez (24). PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Harmony returns several veterans from its district runnerup team a year ago such as Dali Velez (24). PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW — Can Panthers unseat the Bulldogs in the county?

J. Daniel Pearson
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Over the past couple of seasons, Gateway’s basketball team has accomplished a lot—20-win seasons, district championships, a regional championship and a trip to the State Final Four are on the Panthers resume.What’s missing for the Class 5A school?
A cast of characters: (From left), returning Osceola Magic players Mac McClung and Trevelin Queen are joined this year by the likes of Ethan Thompson, Jalen Slawson and Jarrett Culver. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

A cast of characters: (From left), returning Osceola Magic players Mac McClung and Trevelin Queen are joined this year by the likes of Ethan Thompson, Jalen Slawson and Jarrett Culver. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Osceola Magic return to the Silver Spurs; three home games this week

Ken Jackson
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
After nearly a month away, the Osceola Magic return to the Silver Spurs Arena this weekend for a week-long, three-game home stand. Osceola has gotten off to a slow start to the 2024-25 NBA G League campaign, but moved to 4-6 with a 114-92 win Wednesday over the Birmingham Squadron.
It was the defensive effort of the Osceola Kowboys and the running of senior Taevion Swint (139 yards, two touchdowns) that powered OHS into Friday’s Class 6A state semifinal at Gainesville Buchholz. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

It was the defensive effort of the Osceola Kowboys and the running of senior Taevion Swint (139 yards, two touchdowns) that powered OHS into Friday’s Class 6A state semifinal at Gainesville Buchholz. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

CLASS 6A STATE SEMIFINALS — Buchholz stands between Kowboys and title game

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
It’s been since the wild 2020 “season of COVID” that Osceola last played in an FHSAA state championship game. If the Kowboys (11-2) want to change that, they will have to get by the Buchholz Bobcats (10-3) on the road Friday night. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Citizen’s Field in Gainesville.
Coach Tommy Billiteri discussed 4th quarter strategy with his team; the Bulldogs came back for a 59-58 win over Lake Highland Prep Tuesday. PHOTO/J. DANIEL PEARSON

Coach Tommy Billiteri discussed 4th quarter strategy with his team; the Bulldogs came back for a 59-58 win over Lake Highland Prep Tuesday. PHOTO/J. DANIEL PEARSON

Bulldogs battle back, beat Lake Highland, move to 5-0

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Trailing by double digits midway through the third period, St. Cloud basketball teams of the past most likely would have faded away and got blown out.But this is not your daddy’s Bulldog team.
Cesar Araujo wins a header in a tough match in which Orlando City loses in the Eastern Conference Finals. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA

Cesar Araujo wins a header in a tough match in which Orlando City loses in the Eastern Conference Finals. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA

NY Red Bulls end Orlando City's MLS championship quest

Mario Casamalhuapa
Sunday, December 1, 2024
In a heartbreaking turn for Orlando soccer fans, the New York Red Bulls executed a tactical masterclass to defeat Orlando City SC 1-0 in the MLS Eastern Conference finals, ending the home team's dreams of following Orlando Pride's NWSL championship success with an MLS Cup final appearance of their...
Osceola defensive backs Jeff Banks (5) and Jakyri Watson (2) converge on Armwood receiver Tyler Williams in the Kowboys' 17-7 Region 6A-2 final win Friday over the Hawks. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

Osceola defensive backs Jeff Banks (5) and Jakyri Watson (2) converge on Armwood receiver Tyler Williams in the Kowboys' 17-7 Region 6A-2 final win Friday over the Hawks. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

No sign needed to see how and why Osceola won fight at Armwood

Ken Jackson
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Friday night's Osceola Kowboys football game was one of those, “Cancel all plans nights” involving a game that was the center of the universe for about two hours.
Osceola's Alijah Jenkins (3) throws a block for Taevion Swint, who gained 139 yards and scored the Kowboys' two touchdowns, in a hard-fought 17-7 win over Armwood in the Region 6A-2 championship Friday. OHS moves onto the state semifinals. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

Osceola's Alijah Jenkins (3) throws a block for Taevion Swint, who gained 139 yards and scored the Kowboys' two touchdowns, in a hard-fought 17-7 win over Armwood in the Region 6A-2 championship Friday. OHS moves onto the state semifinals. PHOTO/TAYLOR MCFEE

Kowboys take down undefeated Armwood, 17-7, for regional crown

J. Daniel Pearson
Saturday, November 30, 2024
On paper, Osceola’s 17-7 road win Friday night over Armwood in the Class 6A, Region 2 championship game was an upset. Just don’t tell that to Osceola coach Eric Pinellas and his Kowboys.Although top-seeded Armwood came into the game undefeated record (12-0) and sporting a 36.
Osceola’s Jordan Isaac (11) and Helio Quinan (15) guard Harmony’s Jeremy Penner in the season opener last week. The Kowboys defeated the Longhorns and Davenport High to start the season 2-0. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Osceola’s Jordan Isaac (11) and Helio Quinan (15) guard Harmony’s Jeremy Penner in the season opener last week. The Kowboys defeated the Longhorns and Davenport High to start the season 2-0. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW — Coaches call county a balanced field

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
The hoops season will enter its second week after the Thanksgiving break.Osceola, Celebration, and Poinciana will compete in 7A, District 9; while Tohopekaliga, St. Cloud and Harmony will play in 7A, District 6. Gateway is 5A, District 7; while Liberty is 4A, District 7.
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